1st quarter recap: USC and The Citadel tied at seven

USC scored first Saturday, the first time that has happened all season

USC won the toss and elected to receive. The Gamecocks took their opening possession 69 yards in 4:43 seconds, ending with a two yard touchdown run by Brandon Wilds. It is the first time this season USC has scored first. Connor Shaw was 4-4 for 54 yards on the drive. Wilds carried the ball four times for 17 yards.

The Citadel offense went three-and-out on its first possession. The key play on the drive came on a third down fumble that the USC defense appeared to be ready to scoop up and take the other way for a score. However, Melvin Ingram was unable to corral the ball and the Bulldogs found a way to retain possession. A 59 yard punt enabled them to flip the field, so the fumble recovery was a big one.

Further adding to the significance of the Bulldogs fumble recovery and long punt was the fact Connor Shaw threw an interception on the Gamecocks next possession setting up the Bulldogs with a short field and leading to the game tying score. The Citadel drove 35 yards into the end zone, the score coming on a fumble recovery of all things. Ryan Sellars fell on the ball just over the goal line.